So, what’s she looking for? “Beard and tattoos wouldn’t hurt,” she says. Passionate, happy and working towards a goal are also on the list. “I’d say sexually adventurous and someone who knows how to organise, and clean and cook, because I don’t.”
When Treyger is not preparing for her husband hunt Down Under, she’s also a stand-up comedian. “I’m dirty,” she says of her material. “I’m very dirty.”
Born in the former Soviet Union and raised in Chicago, Treyger started stand-up when she was 21 and soon moved to New York for its renowned comedy scene.
“I’m really inspired by performing in New York at the Comedy Cellar,” she says. “There’s such a focus on tight jokes, having a lot of punchlines and really engaging with crowds. I like to do as many jokes as possible.”
She’s appeared on show such as Late Night with Seth Meyers, Not Safe with Nikki Glaser, and Chelsea Lately. However, while her usual fare has been autobiographical raunch, the advent of Trump has changed that.
“I’ve never been a political comedian, but now with our current administration life is a nightmare,” says Treyger. “It would be crazy not to talk about it. So now I’m talking about the world. I usually talk about myself, my family, doing drugs and fucking – but now I have to talk about this insane president that we have.”
Treyger is making her first visit to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as part of Headliners. The Headliners showcase – which features a sampler of some of the hottest comedians currently gigging across North America – is split into two separate shows over the festival. Joining Treyger in the first week will be Emily Heller, Jak Knight and Ryan Hamilton.
Heller, who was named a ‘New Face’ at the 2012 Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, has done the rounds of late night TV across the US, having appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Conan and Inside Amy Schumer, among a long list of other credits. Los Angeles-based Jak Knight – who has writer and actor on the CV alongside stand-up – has shared stages with the likes of Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle, while Ryan Hamilton has been turning heads across the States. Starting the following week the Headliners showcase will present Fortune Feimster, Janelle James, Joe DeRosa and Orlando Baxter.
Treyger’s planning on having a good time in Melbourne and hopes audiences will as well. “I like to party so if anyone wants to, you know, do some fun drugs, they should come to my show and give them to me,” she says.
By Joanne Brookfield
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall – Lower Town Hall
Dates: Thursday March 30 – Sunday April 23 (bar Mondays)
Duration: 75 minutes
Tickets: $28 – $36
